NMSU Board of Regents approves requirement, exemptions for students living on campus

New Mexico State University will require first-time, full-time undergraduate students admitted to NMSU?s Las Cruces campus to live in a university-operated residence hall for their first academic year, or two semesters. The requirement begins in the fall 2017 semester and is aimed at improving student retention.

?I think this is the right thing to do for our students,? said NMSU Chancellor Garrey Carruthers.
?We have evidence that living on campus contributes to greater success in college. Students who live on campus are more likely to be academically successful, graduate within four years, use campus resources, interact with faculty outside the classroom, have a positive experience as a student and engage as an alumnus.?

Regents also approved a number of exemptions to the requirement, which include:

? students who live with an immediate family member, which is limited to mother and/or father; legal guardian; aunt or uncle; or grandparent(s),
? students who live with their spouse, domestic partner or dependent children,
? students who are 21 or older,
? students enrolled in online classes only,
? students with current active military or veteran status,
? additional considerations, including financial and medical hardships, as well as other special circumstances, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.